Toronto - April 3, 2017 - The Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC), in partnership with the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) of the United States, will host the NGLCC Global 5th Annual LGBT Summit of the Americas in Toronto, Canada June 14-16, 2017 at the InterContinental Yorkville hotel.

This year’s Summit brings together leaders and experts from government, corporations, entrepreneurship, academia, and global economic development. Through educational programming and networking, the Summit will strengthen the ecosystem that supports the advancement of economic and social development of LGBT entrepreneurs and the LGBT community at large, here in Canada, the Americas, and globally.

​“Never before has it been more critical for Canada to step up to identify global trade opportunities and overcome barriers to advance the success of LGBT business,” said Bruce McDonald, Co-founder and Chair of the CGLCC. “Our goal is to provide LGBT entrepreneurs an opportunity to expand domestic and international business growth opportunities by building strong domestic and global networks.”“From our groundbreaking report, “America’s LGBT Economy,” an estimated 1.4 million LGBT businesses in the USA contribute nearly $2 trillion to the U.S. economy and produce tens of thousands of jobs—proving that the influence and economic impact of the North American LGBT entrepreneurs is vast and expanding rapidly,” said Justin Nelson, Co-Founder and President of the NGLCC.The 5th Annual Summit of the Americas will provide delegates an opportunity to share best practices, meet with corporate leaders who are looking to do business with diverse suppliers, and identify and address any barriers to growth and overall success as the LGBT business community continues to unify worldwide.For more information, visit www.cglcc.ca/summit2017.

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About CGLCCEstablished in 2003, the CGLCC is a national, non-profit industry association committed to forming a broad-based coalition, representative of the various interests of LGBT-owned businesses, allied businesses, corporations, professionals, and students of business for promoting economic growth and prosperity. CGLCC is the certifying body for LGBT-owned businesses in Canada.About NGLCC:The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is the business voice of the LGBT community and is the largest global advocacy organization specifically dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people. NGLCC is the exclusive certification body for LGBT-owned businesses. www.nglcc.orgMEDIA CONTACTS:CGLCC:Darrell Schuurmandarrell@cglcc.ca416-761-5151 ext. 22NGLCCJonathan D. LovitzSenior Vice President, NGLCCjlovitz@nglcc.org954-695-5896

I'm really proud of the Canadian community. They are willing to help show that they fully support the LGBT community. I'm glad that I was raised in the right country. Most countries would probably bash and avoid interacting with organizations like the LGBT. They have made me see the type of people they truly are and I'm really proud of the Canadian government.